According to Phys.org's article, "'Philanthropy' is usually a word we associate with the world of adults and rich people. Increasingly though, children from a spread of socio-economic backgrounds are participating in and learning about what it means to be philanthropic, both at home and at school."

The article goes on to explain that, aside from the efforts to improve the lives of others, philanthropy provides children with a wide range of positive side effects. Among these are, according to Marilyn Price Mitchell, improved wellbeing. Mitchell, who is a developmental psychologist, asserts that increased popularity, acceptance, academic achievement, and positive classroom behavior are other results of charitable activity.

But the problem is that, while there are certainly many families in the country that focus on giving back, all students are not exposed to the idea of philanthropy at a young age. In most cases, students learn about charity through a religious organization or a school-based initiative. However, these activities do not always focus on the big picture when it comes to philanthropic efforts.

"Children who are engaged in charitable activity, such as a food drive at school, often see the activity itself as the main purpose, not the impact it will have on the community," comments Richard Zahn, construction professional. "As such, kids may miss the overarching purpose of their actions--and may underestimate the impact that they can have--if they are not taught the basic idea behind philanthropy."

The article explains that there are numerous ways in which individuals can teach children about philanthropy. These include volunteering, fundraising, and joining giving circles that combine efforts of families to create a larger impact.

"One of the best ways for parents to teach their kids about the power of charitable work is to engage in it with them," Zahn asserts. "Whether they are volunteering, raising money, or collecting in-kind donations, parents can help their kids become involved in philanthropic activity while explaining not only what the activity will accomplish, but why it is important and how it will benefit others."

Richard Zahn, construction professional, encourages parents and teachers to take advantage of philanthropic opportunities as a way to educate up and coming generations about the importance of charitable work.

ABOUT:

Richard Zahn, construction professional, has created a reputation as a premier figure in numerous industries, including real estate development, law enforcement, and healthcare. Most recently, he has taken on efforts in the real estate industry by leveraging his experiences and training to effectively execute a wide range of endeavors. Furthermore, Zahn is a devoted philanthropist who believes strongly in social responsibility and the establishment of a positive bond between business and community. A Florida resident, Zahn lives in the Sunshine State with his wife and children and enjoys mountain biking, racing, fishing, and more.